The “island” part of Birdwell Island is inspired by Martha’s Vineyard, where Norman lived with his wife for nearly 50 years.ĥ. The name of Birdwell Island-where Emily Elizabeth, Clifford, and the rest of her family live in The Story of Clifford-is inspired by Norman’s last name. Much of Clifford’s World Was Inspired by Norman’s Own LifeĬlifford’s human companion, Emily Elizabeth, is named after Norman’s daughter, Emily Elizabeth Bridwell.Īccording to Norman, his daughter didn’t think anything of being the namesake for a famous book character until she went to get a library card and a librarian asked, “Are you the real Emily Elizabeth?” In that moment, she realized her father had created a literary icon !īut Emily Elizabeth’s name wasn’t the only thing drawn from Norman’s real life. And thus Clifford the Big Red Dog was born!Ĥ. But his submissions were rejected again and again, with critics telling him his work was too “ordinary.”įinally, a children’s book-editor friend suggested that Norman try creating his own stories to accompany his pictures of a young girl who rode a large dog like a horse. After studying at the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana, and then taking more classes at Cooper Union in New York City, Norman put together a portfolio and entered the world of children’s book illustration. Norman Bridwell Originally Only Wanted to Be an Illustrator But over time, he became bigger and bigger and, as Norman described him, more of an “ all-around dog.” As for why Clifford is his iconic color? Norman recalled, “It was red because I happened to have red paint on the drawing table that night.” ( Read more here.)Ģ. When Norman first drew Clifford, he was depicted as a large bloodhound. Originally, Norman Bridwell was going to name his big red dog an oxymoron: Tiny! But his wife, Norma, told him the name was too “boring” and suggested naming the character after one of her childhood imaginary friends, Clifford.

Clifford the Big Red Dog Was Almost Tiny the Bloodhound Celebrate this awesome milestone with us by discovering five fun facts about Clifford, his origins, and The Story of Clifford.ġ. In 2020, Scholastic turns 100 years old-and we couldn’t have done it without a very special, very large dog by our side (and on our shelves). What’s big, red, and read all over? Clifford the Big Red Dog, of course! Celebrate Scholastic’s 100th Birthday by diving into the story behind readers’ favorite pup, Clifford the Big Red Dog!

Clifford the big red dog